Ferrari 550 Maranello

For 1997, Ferrari has chosen to positively embrace its past with the new 550
Maranello. In one fell swoop it has reverted to both the front-mounted engine
position and V-12 layout in replacing the aging mid-engine, flat-12 F512M
(which has been around since 1984 when it was called the Testarossa). In
addition, Pininfarina, Ferrari's longtime stylist, has also recaptured several
of their collaboration's better past styling themes in fashioning the 550's
shape. It seems to be deja vu all over again around Turin.  The front-engine,
rear transaxle Maranello, is reported to have the handling and prowess of a
mid-engine sports car.  The output of the 550 Maranello is 485 bhp, making it
3.2 seconds faster around the Ferrari sinuous factory test track, than the 
Testarossa.  The Maranello is claimed to shoot from zero to sixty mph in 4.3
seconds.  The 550 comes with a multi-strategy traction control system.  With
it, wheelspin can be managed by letting the computer brake the wheels and
modulate engine power.  Or, as another option, by employing engine braking
only while cornering.  The Ferrari 550 Maranello is a pure 2 passenger car,
but has a remarkably large trunk.  This 6-speed manual has a base price of
$200,000 (US).